GAU EN ACIER DAMASQUINÉ OR ET ARGENT TIBET, XVIIIE SIÈCLEGAU EN ACIER DAMASQUINÉ OR ET ARGENTTIBET, XVIIIE SIÈCLEHimalayan Art Resources item no. 205111 15 cm (5 7/8 in.) highA SILVER AND GOLD DAMASCENED STEEL GAUTIBET, 18TH CENTURY西藏 十八世紀 鋼鋄金銀嘎烏盒As Henss notes, "A metal ga'u serves as a kind of multi-functional amulet box for protection and prayer, defense and decoration, as a personal emblem of rank and social status, or to ensure good health and wealth, safe travel and good business." (Buddhist Ritual Art of Tibet, Stuttgart, 2020, p.368.) This gau's distinctive tapered shape draws a likeness with seals used by Tibetan officials.Please refer to the footnote of lot 446 in this auction.